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Rochester cop shooting: More details emerge, suspect identified

Rochester Officer Shot

Police investigate the scene of a shooting Officer shot on Hudson Avenue in Rochester, N.Y. on Wednesday, Sept. 3 2014. Rural/Metro Medical Services say an officer was shot and taken to Rochester General Hospital, where he died. At least two other people were wounded in the shooting Wednesday night.
(AP Photo/Democrat & Chronicle, Carlos Ortz)

WHEC Rochester reports that at some point during the traffic stop on Hudson Avenue near Warsaw Street just before 9:30 p.m., the suspect is believed to have jumped out of his car in an attempt to run away. The officer pursued the suspect before a shootout ensued. The officer, the suspect and a bystander were all shot, but a bullet only grazed the bystander.

The officer was taken to Rochester General Hospital, where he died; the others were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital, The Associate Press reports.

Rochester Police Chief said he would not release the name of the officer until all of his relatives are notified.

Thomas Johnson IIIscreengrab from WHEC video

Police sources confirmed to the Democrat and Chronicle that the suspected shooter is Thomas Johnson III, who was released from prison three weeks ago after serving a year for violating his parole. The Democrat and Chornicle reports Johnson, 38, previously served three years for an attempted robbery in Wyoming and a year in New York for second-degree criminal trespass. Johnson underwent surgery at Strong Memorial Hospital overnight and his medical status is not available.

The scene of Wednesday's shooting took place just two blocks away from Dayton Street, where Officer Anthony DiPonzi was shot in the head in by a 14-year-old in 2009, WHEC Rochester reports. DiPonzi survived the shooting. The death of the officer last night marks the first time a Rochester police officer has been killed in the line of duty since 1958.

The Rochester Police Department is expected to hold a joint press conference with the Monroe County District Attorney's Office when they have more information about the ongoing investigation. This story will be updated as more details emerge.